Face mask storage hanger

ABSTRACT

A system and method for providing a place to store one or more face masks that is readily available for use, and which allows the mask to air out between uses and helps to prevent the mask from becoming soiled, damaged, or lost.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system for providing a place to keep one or more face masks ready and available to be worn.

Description of Related Art

The 2020 appearance of COVID-19 has changed most people's lives in the US and around the world. In addition to social distancing guidelines, the need to wear a protective face mask has become increasingly necessary, and in some places it has become mandatory. However, since many of the masks are reusable, there is a problem in deciding where to keep masks between uses. They can become easily soiled and will need to air out if they are to be reused in between cleanings. This is especially true when using disposable masks more than once.

Typically, what is currently done is when an individual reaches their destination; they throw the reusable mask on a flat surface, in a container, and the like. This can prevent the mask from airing out, it allows them to become soiled more easily and more quickly (thus compromising mask sanitation), subjects them to damage, permits them to get lost, and the like. A better solution is needed to overcome these problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the discovery that by hanging the face mask on a hook containing a suction cup, the face mask can overcome the limitations of the prior art as described above.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, there is a system for storage of a face mask of a user comprising:

-   -   a) the face mask having a user attachment device;     -   b) a suction cup designed to adhere to a flat surface;     -   c) a mask holder attached to the suction cup comprising a         straight portion attached to the suction cup and one or more         hook portions attached to the straight portion; and     -   d) wherein the face mask is hung on one of the hook portions.

In another embodiment, there is a method for storage of a face mask comprising:

-   -   a) selecting a storage device comprising:         -   i. a suction cup designed to adhere to a flat surface; and         -   ii. a mask holder attached to the suction cup comprising a             straight portion attached to the suction cup and one or more             hook portions attached to the straight portion;     -   b) attaching the storage device to a flat surface; and     -   c) attaching the face mask to the storage device by hanging the         face mask on the hook using the user attachment device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a first embodiment of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a second embodiment of the system of the present invention

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of the method of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention is susceptible to embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and will herein be described in detail, specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure of such embodiments is to be considered as an example of the principles and not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described. In the description below, like reference numerals are used to describe the same, similar, or corresponding parts in the several views of the drawings. This detailed description defines the meaning of the terms used herein and specifically describes embodiments in order for those skilled in the art to practice the invention.

DEFINITIONS

The terms “about” and “essentially” mean ±10 percent.

The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or as more than one. The term “plurality”, as used herein, is defined as two or as more than two. The term “another”, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having”, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled”, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

The term “comprising” is not intended to limit inventions to only claiming the present invention with such comprising language. Any invention using the term comprising could be separated into one or more claims using “consisting” or “consisting of” claim language and is so intended.

Reference throughout this document to “one embodiment”, “certain embodiments”, “an embodiment”, or similar terms means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of such phrases in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments without limitation.

The term “or”, as used herein, is to be interpreted as an inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, “A, B, or C” means any of the following: “A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C”. An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps, or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive.

The drawings featured in the figures are for the purpose of illustrating certain convenient embodiments of the present invention and are not to be considered as limitation thereto. The term “means” preceding a present participle of an operation indicates a desired function for which there is one or more embodiments, i.e., one or more methods, devices, or apparatuses for achieving the desired function and that one skilled in the art could select from these or their equivalent in view of the disclosure herein, and use of the term “means” is not intended to be limiting.

As used herein, the term “storage” refers to a device at a location wherein a face mask can be hung in an open area, which allows air to circulate having only the attachment devices for the face mask touching the location. This is as opposed to storage in a box or just sitting the mask on a flat surface.

As used herein, the term “face mask” refers to a covering (as of polypropylene fiber or cotton fabric) for the mouth and nose that is worn, especially to reduce the spread of infectious agents (such as viruses or bacteria).

As used herein, the term “user” refers to a person who has a face mask and wishes to store the face mask at a location.

As used herein, the term “user attachment device” refers to the device that allows the user to attach the face mask to the user's face. In most cases, it has one or more straps that hook around the ears. but any attachment means is contemplated.

As used herein, the term “suction cup” refers to a cup-shaped device usually polymeric, in which a partial vacuum can be produced when the cup portion of the device is applied to a flat surface. The flat surface does not have to be level; in fact most any angle can be used, such as shown in the Figures.

As used herein, the term “mask holder” refers to a device in which a user can hang a face mask to keep it off horizontal surfaces or other surfaces. It comprises a straight portion and one or more hook portions.

As used herein, the term “straight portion” refers to a section of the part of the mask holder that is attached to the suction cup, which protrudes away from the suction cup. While the word straight is used, it also encompasses any shape that is positioned directionally opposing the suction cup. In one embodiment, it is perpendicular to the suction cup.

As used herein, the term “hook portions” refers to a curved portion of the mask holder that is attached to the straight portion, which is curved in a manner that the user attachment device can hang on the hook in a manner that prevents the mask itself from touching anything and falling off.

As used herein, the term “hung” or “hanging” refers to the user attachment device (e.g., ear loops) being draped over one of the one or more hook portions in a manner to not touch the surface the device is attached to.

As used herein, the term “attaching” or “attached” refers to both the act of attaching a suction cup to a flat surface and to hanging the face mask on the storage device hooks.

DRAWINGS

Now referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the system. In this view, we see mask holder 1 consisting of a suction cup 2, which is attached (by suction) to a flat surface 3 (in this example, a car rear view mirror).The mask holder also has a straight portion 4 attached to the suction cup 2, and one hook portion 5 attached to the straight portion 4. The hook portion 5 and straight portion 4 are made of plastic, metal, or any other suitable material to support a weight load. A face mask 6 having user attachment devices 7 (ear loops), is hung on the hook portion 5 by the user attachment devices 7.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the system. In this view, we see mask holder 21 with suction cup 22, which is attached to table top flat surface 23. The mask holder 21 has a longer straight portion 24 than in FIG. 1, which ensures there is enough room to hang the face mask 26 by the user attachment devices 27. The face mask 26 is hung by the user attachment devices 27 on one of two hook portions 25 a and 25 b.

FIG. 3 is a method flow chart of the present invention. The first step is selecting the storage device 31, as described herein. The storage device is then attached to a flat surface 32 using the suction cup. Next, the face mask is attached to the storage device utilizing the user attachment device of the face mask 33.

Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may make modifications resulting in other embodiments employing principles of the present invention without departing from its spirit or characteristics, particularly upon considering the foregoing teachings. Accordingly, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description or drawings. Consequently, while the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, modifications of structure, sequence, materials, and the like apparent to those skilled in the art still fall within the scope of the invention as claimed by the applicant. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for storage of a medical face mask having at least two elastic bands for attachment around the head of a user consisting of: a) the medical face mask; b) a suction cup designed to adhere to a flat surface; c) a medical mask holder attached to the suction cup comprising a rod with a straight portion first end attached to the suction cup positioned such that the straight portion is perpendicular to the flat surface when the suction cup is attached to the flat surface and one or more u-shaped portions attached to a second end of the straight portion and positioned before the distal end and adapted to receive elastic bands of a medical face mask wherein the distal end of the rod is of a size that allows the elastic bands to pass over the rod to be placed in the u-shaped portion by the elastic bands; and d) wherein the medical face mask is hung on one of the u-shaped portions by the elastic bands.
 2. (canceled)
 3. The system for storage of a medical face mask according to claim 1 wherein the suction cup is attached to a flat surface.
 4. A method for storage of a medical face mask consisting of: a) selecting a medical face mask storage device comprising: i. a suction cup designed to adhere to a flat surface; and ii. a medical mask holder attached to the suction cup comprising a rod with a straight portion first end attached to the suction cup positioned such that the straight portion is perpendicular to the flat surface when the suction cup is attached to the flat surface and one or more u-shaped portions attached to a second end of the straight portion and positioned before the distal end and adapted to receive elastic bands of a medical face mask wherein the distal end of the rod is of a size that allows the elastic bands to pass over the rod to be placed in the u-shaped portion by the elastic bands; and b) attaching the storage device to a flat surface; and c) attaching the medical face mask to the storage device by hanging the medical face mask on the u-shaped portion using the elastic bands. 